WASHINGTON -- Working with small businesses to provide information and education on chemical safety is the foundation of OSHA's newest national Alliance, formalized today in Washington.

The Society for Chemical Hazard Communication (SCHC) joined with OSHA improve worker understanding in the areas of hazard communication and chemical safety.

"We're pleased to enhance our solid working relationship with SCHC on this very important issue," said OSHA Administrator John Henshaw. "Working with SCHC, we want to not only provide accurate, relevant, and valuable information and training on chemical safety, but also encourage employers and their workers to adopt safe work practices. This Alliance provides a good mechanism to focus resources on achieving this goal."

Added Michele Sullivan, Ph.D., Chairman of SCHC's Board of Directors: "With the 20th anniversary of OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard close at hand, SCHC is pleased to be signing an Alliance with the Agency to provide information and training on hazard communication and material safety data sheets (MSDS). This Alliance is another step in the hazard communication journey and the long-standing relationship between SCHC and OSHA to promote effective hazard communication."

A key feature of the Alliance is to distribute information and increase awareness about the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. GHS is a single, globally harmonized system to address the classification of chemicals, labels, and MSDS.

OSHA and SCHC will develop training and education programs to assist employers in complying with hazard communication requirements, and in preparing labels and more effective and accurate MSDSs. Information will be developed and disseminated through print and electronic media, including the use of electronic assistance tools and links from both organizations' websites.

Training seminars that address health and safety issues related to hazard communication, MSDS, and the GHS will be presented by OSHA and SCHC. Additionally, OSHA personnel will cross-train with industry safety and health professionals in SCHC's effective approaches, as jointly determined by both organizations.

Representatives of OSHA and SCHC will also participate in forums, roundtable discussions, or stakeholder meetings on hazard communication, MSDS and GHS issues to provide input and help forge innovative solutions in the workplace.

Based in Annandale, VA, SCHC is a nonprofit organization that promotes the improvement of the business of hazard communication for chemicals, and provides guidance or technical expertise to private, government, and nonprofit groups.

OSHA is dedicated to assuring worker safety and health. Safety and health add value to business, the workplace and life. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

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